Cuxhaven is the stage for the presentation of the potential for green hydrogen power in connection with wind energy

Higher installation goals for offshore wind energy and the promotion of sustainable technologies such as hydrogen power as fuel – those were the central demands of an expert panel hosted by the Offshore Wind Energy Foundation and the Cluster Renewable Energy Hamburg late this August in Cuxhaven with the support of the Cuxhaven Port Business Association (HWG). In this regard, the future processes as described in the North German federal states’ “North German Hydrogen Strategy” were discussed. Among the 200 participants were also Enak Ferlemann, State Secretary for the Federal Transport Ministry, and Olaf Lies, Lower Saxony’s Minister for Environment, Energy, Construction and Climate Protection. Further, several HWG members such as Plambeck Holding were involved in the rounds of discussions held during this symposium in Cuxhaven.

Sustainable technologies are especially important in light of climate change. Enak Ferlemann therefore regards hydrogen and fuel cell technologies as being in high demand. He advocated a quicker pace: “To achieve our climate protection goals, we need zero emission vehicles by 2030 by the millions.” Along with these developments, he hopes for a strengthening of the industry sector of Germany. “Think of the industrial-political potential of the technology for the German economy. We want to establish a leading market in Germany and a strong position in export markets.”

Olaf Lies wants to transform Lower Saxony into the central focal point of the future hydrogen power sector. For this reason, he advocated a Germany-wide hydrogen strategy in order to prepare the way for sustainable technologies. “There is no alternative to a successful transition into an energy landscape without nuclear or fossil contributions. For this reason we need to expand renewables, but at the same time remove barriers and conflicts and promote future-oriented, environmentally friendly technologies, amongst them the use of green hydrogen. An energy economy based on green hydrogen is the key for Germany’s industrial future. At the same time, with this, we’ll be helping our children and grandchildren.”

A central aspect of the event was, accordingly, the promotion of renewable energies, which would need to grow rapidly to achieve the current climate goals. The five North German federal states, industry, unions and special interest lobbies therefore asked the German federal government for higher installation targets for offshore wind energy by 2030. This also in compensation of present installation caps. The hosts of the roundtable described the build-out of wind power as being the most important solution as it relates to covering future energy needs in a cost effective manner.